7 running and walking events in Rockford, Illinois

From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find running and walking events and connect with the local endurance sports community.

• Rockford Fire 911 3K Run [runsignup.com]
  • Subscribe to My Calendar (sign in required)

  • ---

  • Download single event

  Sat, Jun 06, 2026 at 9:11 AM

  Description

  ▼ Show more Show less

  The Rockford Fire Department welcomes you to participate in the 22nd Annual Rockford Fire Department 911 - 3K Run/Walk. Join the fun and challenge yourself, family, or friends at this incredible...

  The Rockford Fire Department welcomes you to participate in the 22nd Annual Rockford Fire Department 911 - 3K Run/Walk. Join the fun and challenge yourself, family, or friends at this incredible event.

  This event was formed to bring fire prevention and emergency medical education to our community. The numbers 9-1-1 are an iconic symbol of emergency services across the nation. It also holds special significance following the events of September 11, 2001. We honor the memory of that day with the race's start time 9:11am.

  The Rockford Fire Department utilizes many training aids to provide fire and medical education to our community. Each year, we have direct contact with over 60,000 people, and many more through social media and public service announcements. Proceeds from this race are used to educate our community, from toddlers to senior citizens, in fire prevention, safety, and community risk reduction. The proceeds from this race will be used to purchase training aids and educational handouts to help us in our community education efforts.

  In addition to fire safety education, the proceeds of this event will also be used to sponsor a camper to attend "Camp I Am Me", a burn survivor camp put on by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance. The IFSA hosts this special and unforgettable camping experience every summer for young children who have sustained burns, providing them with a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere to help build their self-confidence and self-esteem.

  Your support will help make Rockford a safer community!

  Early Bird Pricing!!! Save $10 off of the normal ticket price if you register on or before 5/17.

  Kids 18 and under are only $20!

  Adult T-shirt sizes S-3XL. Youth sizes M-XL. There is an option to purchase additional race shirts located in the STORE on the race website (use the drop down menu labeled "MORE"). Orders for additional shirts will not be accepted after May 17th.

  ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE STORE... PREVIOUS YEAR'S CHALLENGE COINS!!!

  Challenge coins from 2022-25 were found in storage - when they're gone, they're gone forever!

  Runners will receive a finisher medal, a race bib, and a T-shirt (shirts are only guaranteed to those who register on or before May 17th).

  Race prizes will be announced soon. Check back to see what you could win!

  • Challenge coins for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in each age category

  • Prizes for overall male and female runners

  • Medals for the kids fun run

  We are very excited to have our post-race food provided by Mission BBQ again this year!

  USATF certified course and chip timing provided by Racing Expectations.

  Following the race there will be a free Kids Fun Run for children ages 8 and under (details on the event page).

  Packet pick-up and late registration will be held at Fleet Feet Sports Rockford (1653 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL) on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

  There will be no same day registration this year. Registration closes on June 5 at 6 p.m.

  Rockford Road Runners Circuit Race, RRR discount is available.

  3k Fun Run Run Walk

  391 N Trainer Rd, Rockford, Illinois, 61107, United States
  OpenStreetMap Google Maps
• Lifescape 4th of July Classic Run/Walk [runsignup.com]
  • Subscribe to My Calendar (sign in required)

  • ---

  • Download single event

  Sat, Jul 04, 2026 at 7:00 AM

  Description

  ▼ Show more Show less

  Join us for the Lifescape Community Services 4th of July Classic Run/Walk in downtown Rockford! This year's Start/Finish Line is on N. Water St. in front of the Riverview Ice House.

  Registration ends...

  Join us for the Lifescape Community Services 4th of July Classic Run/Walk in downtown Rockford! This year's Start/Finish Line is on N. Water St. in front of the Riverview Ice House.

  Registration ends on Friday, July 3, 2026!

  T-shirt sizes are not guaranteed after June 5!

  Register by the end of April, 2026 for your early bird discount!

  This race is in memory of Joe Marino and his contributions to Rockford's 4th of July celebration and to our community.

  The Lifescape 4th of July Classic Run/Walk is an Independence Day tradition! This run is for everyone, whether you are an experienced runner, this is your first race, or you are just looking for a fun event to do with your family. This race is a wonderful way to celebrate our nation and support older adults and adults with disabilities in our community.

  Runners have the choice of running an 8k, a 2-mile, or participating in the 1-mile Family Fun Walk. All runners will receive race swag, including finisher medals, stylish one of a kind run T-shirts, and....BREAKFAST! After the run, all participants are invited to make the short walk to the Downtown Rockford City Pavilion (Where City Market is held) for a FREE Post Run Pancake Breakfast!

  Check out our 2019 promo video to get a feel for the day's events: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AScCeDzzo_I

  All proceeds benefit Lifescape's programs and services for older adults and adults with disabilities, including Meals on Wheels, Adult Protective Services, the Adult Day Program, Transportation Services, Senior Choice Information & Assistance, Senior Mental Health, Health & Wellness Services, AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, and Comprehensive Care Coordination.

  For more information on Lifescape, please check out our website at: www.lifescapeservices.org.

  RACE PRIZES:

  Prizes will go to the overall elapsed fastest times. Cash prize will be mailed after the event. (Student athletes may NOT accept cash prizes. If they do, they lose eligibility to play.)

  Overall 8k - Male

  1. $100

  2. $50 Fleet Feet Gift Card

  3. $25 Fleet Feet Gift Card

  Overall 8k - Female

  1. $100

  2. $50 Fleet Feet Gift Card

  3. $25 Fleet Feet Gift Card

  Overall - 2-Mile - Male

  1. $100

  2. $50 Fleet Feet Gift Card

  3. $25 Fleet Feet Gift Card

  Overall - 2-Mile - Female

  1. $100

  2. $50 Fleet Feet Gift Card

  3. $25 Fleet Feet Gift Card

  Masters - Male and Female

  1. $25 Fleet Feet Gift Card

  Race Day Registration is NOT available!

  PACKET PICKUP

  Dates will be determined in early 2026.

  1 Miles 2 Miles 4.97 Miles 8k Run Walk

  Rockford, Illinois, 61101, United States
  OpenStreetMap Google Maps
• RAMP River Run – 3K, 5K, & 1/2 Marathon Run [815riverrun.com] [Register at runsignup.com]
  • Subscribe to My Calendar (sign in required)

  • ---

  • Download single event

  Sat, Aug 15, 2026 at 6:00 AM

  Description

  ▼ Show more Show less

  Competition and Fun that makes a difference!

  What better way to end your summer than getting out for some family-friendly competition (for those who want to be competitive) in downtown Rockford.

  RAMP...

  Competition and Fun that makes a difference!

  What better way to end your summer than getting out for some family-friendly competition (for those who want to be competitive) in downtown Rockford.

  RAMP will be hosting the 13th Annual 3K Walk/Wheel, 5K Run, 1/2 Marathon! All proceeds from these events will go directly to RAMP. This run is USATF certified (IL 17063NM) and is a 2026 RRR Circuit Race. See more information about the RRR Circuit at www.rockfordroadrunners.org. Register by July 20th to be guaranteed an event t-shirt.

  Thank you for supporting RAMP, a local non-profit organization that provides services and advocacy that assist individuals with disabilities to live as independently as possible.

  RAMP Disability Resources & Services mission is to build an inclusive community that encourages individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. RAMP takes a creative approach to find resources and opportunities available to team up with individuals with disabilities to access the community where we live, work and play. We have this knowledge because the majority of our staff and board of directors have disabilities. RAMP staff meets individuals with disabilities where they are at and together as a team we take them where they want to go. We advocate for the implementation of current laws, promotion of needed legislation and improvement of existing systems for people with disabilities while working to diminish negative attitudes that threaten to impede equal access. For more information about RAMP, call 815-968-7467 or visit www.rampcil.org.

  PLEASE NOTE:

  In case of inclement weather please see the following website for updates, www.815riverrun.com

  Race Map/Route

  View 5K Race Route

  View Half Marathon Race Route

  Please note: The course is open from 6:30am-10:45am after which time course support will NOT be available.

  Refund Policy

  Because this is a fundraising event, refunds will not be offered for any reason, including cancellation due to hazardous or inclement weather or mandatory social distancing.

  FAQ

  When is packet pickup?

  Packet pick will be Thursday, August 13th from 12:00pm-6:00pm at RAMP, 202 Market Street, Rockford, Illinois or Saturday morning beginning at 6:30 a.m. at the event.

  When/Where do I turn in my donations for RAMP?

  You may turn in your donations at packet pickup the morning of the event. For more info, contact RAMP at 815-968-7467.

  What happens if I cannot participate for any reason?

  There are no medical comps, rollovers, refunds, or transfers of any kind.

  Can I register on race day?

  Yes! Race day registration and packet pickup is from 6:30-7:00 a.m at the City Market Pavilion. Race day registration costs $40 for the 3K and 5K and $75 for the 1/2 Marathon Run. To speed up the process you may print off and fill out the brochure.

  Am I guaranteed a race shirt?

  No. Race shirts are only guaranteed to those who register by July 20th. After that, shirts will be first come first serve based on availability, so register early! New this year for an additional cost receive a crewneck sweatshirt instead of a t-shirt.

  If you raise $50 for RAMP by July 20th, you will earn a RAMP event t-shirt!

  What are the age brackets for the Half Marathon and 5K?

  They are broken into male and female brackets into the following age groups:

  8 & under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+

  Parking

  Please park at Trinity Lutheran Church, up and down Market and Water Streets, the lot across the street from RAMP and the lot behind RAMP’s parking lot where Register Star employees park.

  Street Closings

  We apologize in advance for the inconvenience of the following streets being closed on Saturday, August 15th from 7-11am: Lower Jefferson, Lafayette, Prairie, Madison, Hill & Olive Streets

  Can I bring my stroller/dog?

  Baby joggers/strollers are not permitted on the Half Marathon course. However baby joggers and strollers are permitted on the 3K Walk/Wheel course and the 5K Run course. If you plan to run/walk with a stroller, please position yourself near the back of the starting line. The only animals allowed on the courses are service dogs, please leave your dog at home. Thank you!

  3k 5k 13.1 Miles Half Marathon Run Walk

  202 Market Street, Rockford, Illinois, 61107, United States
  OpenStreetMap Google Maps
• Chicago Tough Mudder 15K - Saturday [spartan.com]
  • Subscribe to My Calendar (sign in required)

  • ---

  • Download single event

  Sat, Aug 29, 2026

  15k

  Rockford, Illinois, 61109, United States
  OpenStreetMap Google Maps

Local Clubs & Organizations